Before returning to the inn, I entered a shop to talk with Lefin. I thought we might stand out in a cafe-like setting, with an Adventurer and a Spirit, but the Clerk welcomed us normally and showed us to a table.

…Well, the discussion is about whether or not to talk about me, right?

Yes, exactly.

Lefin nodded. I thought we would get to the main topic, but before that, she made a confirmation.

What did the General say?

He seemed to have seen through me and also deduced Sofia’s true identity. However, he said he wouldn’t report it until the battle was over.

After a brief pause… I continued to her.

The Demon Race causing this war doesn’t have mind-reading abilities. And considering the General’s abilities, I don’t think mind-reading psychic magic would even work on him… Anyway, I don’t think there’s any risk of information leaking if the General doesn’t speak.

Is that so… Then, to the main topic. Whether or not to tell Sofia and the others about the situation.

Lefin previously said that it wasn’t the time to tell Sofia yet, what was that about?

At my question, she lowered her gaze, as if deep in thought.

It was to consider Sofia’s emotional state.

Emotional state?

When I made a contract with Sofia, various emotions were swirling within her heart… A sense of mission to reclaim her homeland. I think this was the strongest. There was also the pressure to become stronger, and a desire for revenge against the Demon Race. And then,

Lefin met my gaze.

Anxiety about whether she would truly be alright holding a sword. This also coexisted.

So, at that time, her anxiety was also great.

Yes.

I hardly felt anything like that when I was with her, though.

Perhaps Sofia is a better actress.

I shrugged… but what Lefin said bothered me.

You were trying not to tell her about me because she had a lot of anxiety?

If she saw Lord Ruon’s power, there was a possibility she would become convinced that she would be fine following him. However, I worried about another possibility. I considered the possibility that seeing Lord Ruon’s existence firsthand would make her deny her own strength.

—My power isn’t necessary. I should step down from my position as Princess—Did she consider the possibility of Sofia thinking in such a way?

…I explained it to Lefin, but at first, Sofia was desperate to receive my teachings. At that point, I thought she had abandoned the idea that she shouldn’t fight from her position as Princess.

At that time, despite various emotions, she was likely in a mental state where she felt she had no choice but to move forward… As she grew stronger, Sofia became hesitant. She started to think that she should put down her sword at the point of homeland liberation, not defeating the Demon King.

…At that time, if I had said that Sofia was necessary for defeating the Demon King—

Hesitation and anxiety… It was impossible to predict how Sofia would decide. The current situation, where the Human Side is superior, further strengthened her idea of laying down her sword.

…Lefin must have come to that conclusion precisely because she sensed Sofia’s emotions. As for me, I think there might have been a way to handle it differently—

Lefin, one thing?

Go ahead.

From your stance, do you want to lead Sofia towards fighting?

I ultimately wish to respect Sofia’s will. If she reaches the conclusion to put down her sword after her hesitation, then I and the contracted Spirits will obey. All I can do now is make various arrangements in case Sofia declares that she will continue to fight in the future.

There must be her own expectations included in that.

…I understand Lefin’s point. So, since we’re deciding whether or not to tell Sofia and the others, has her state of mind changed now?

Visiting this Alastin Kingdom has changed the tide.

Has she changed?

Yes. As a major battle approaches, Lady Sofia seems to be comparing the future of this nation to that of the Barx Kingdom. And she has once again remembered the existence of King Kanan. He will undoubtedly continue to stand on the front lines with the Sacred Sword. So she, as a princess, has begun to think that she too should inspire the people and continue to fight.

If Sofia, a member of the Royal Family, were to do that, the unity of the people would become even stronger.

Yes. However, she believes she still lacks the power to achieve that.

And she must also be feeling the pressure. If Sofia’s existence can be openly announced, the Human Side’s morale will undoubtedly rise, and it will be a threat to the Demon King and the Demon Race. The war in the Southern Invasion might also improve further. However, Sofia is wondering if she can truly fulfill that role.

While I was thinking, Lefin continued.

In any case, since coming to this nation, Lady Sofia seems to be re-evaluating what she should do herself.

So, she might be in a state where we can talk?

Precisely. Therefore, I have a proposal for Lord Ruon. What if, after this battle, if Lady Sofia renews her resolve, you talk to her?

Just to confirm, even if we don’t talk for now, the current relationship is unlikely to break down, right?

I ask Lefin.

For example, Sylvie knows a part of my abilities, but her attitude hasn’t changed. In addition, Kuuza also shows respect, and I think if I say I’ll talk eventually, they’ll accept it, even if not completely convinced.

It will probably be the same for Lady Sofia… However, I believe it’s better to do it as soon as possible.

Sooner is better?

Yes… Another question, what do you think about explaining the situation to King Kanan and getting his cooperation?

Another question. I don’t see where this is going, but I answer her question for now.

As long as the Southern Invasion is a threat, I think talking is an option…

If you were to talk, how about doing so after the upcoming battle, if Lady Sofia makes her decision at that time?

Why are you so urgent?

When I asked back, Lefin lowered her eyes and then said,

I thought that the time to talk to King Kanan, after the battle, would be just barely in time.

Just barely?

It’s about the strategy for the Southern Invasion. Naturally, it will take time to gather troops, won’t it?

That’s true… but what Lefin is saying still feels urgent.

Lord Ruon. Just to confirm again, the Human Side is definitely in a superior position, right?

Another sudden question. I respond, a little bewildered.

Huh? Oh, yes. That’s certainly true.

And for two of the Five Great Wars with Demons, there are prerequisite events.

Oh, right.

You don’t know when those prerequisite events will occur, do you?

I’m checking with the Familiar, so I’ll know if an event occurs, but…

At that point, I understood what Lefin was trying to say.

So, you’re saying this: The Five Great Wars with Demons—because the Human Side has become superior, you expect that activities against the Demon Race will increase more than before.

Yes.

Then, the third and fourth ones… there’s a possibility that they’ll start simultaneously?

Lefin nodded. I see… There was always that possibility in previous battles, but with the Human Side’s superiority, that possibility has increased even further.

Even if we were to explain the situation to Lady Sofia and others, if we talked during a critical moment, they would undoubtedly be confused. Rather, I think it’s better to talk now, while there’s still some room to grasp Lord Ruon’s abilities.

So, you’re saying to talk to your companions beforehand, so that no matter what direction the future battles take, they’ll be prepared to respond?

I certainly understand Lefin’s argument… but I scratch my head and say to her,

Indeed, considering the future, it might be better to get it over with sooner.

By the way, Lord Ruon. There are three of the Five Great Demons remaining. Two of them seem to have prerequisite events, but what about the last one?

That’s the Demon Race that has a stronghold in the Northern Region, and the Human Side hasn’t expanded their area of activity that far. In addition, there are various other things that need to be done regarding that Demon Race, so it’s not impossible that someone will fight that Demon Race, but the possibility is low. The other two will probably make their move first.

I sighed and organized what Lefin had said in my head.

“I understand what you mean. I can see why you think it might be better to tell her as soon as possible, given the timing.”

“Then, about the proposal—”

“It depends on Sofia’s decision, but… what if she’s still undecided?”

“I do think it’s a good idea to explain the situation to King Kanan. So, wouldn’t it be best to consult with the King?”

That might be the only option.

“…The situation seems to be fluid. For now, let’s discuss it again after the battle.”

“Understood.”

Lefin agreed—and so, the discussion with the General and Lefin concluded.